Happiness from the Source
Does God want us to be happy? Yes. But it is not the happiness we seek through self-fulfillment, and it is not the feeling that ebbs and flows with circumstances and possessions. God wants us to have the kind of happiness that endures—joy, peace, and contentment—and these only come through trusting Him, obeying Him and loving Him, even when it’s hard. Below are ten Scriptures for meditation along with “Jesus questions” to draw you closer to the Source of joy, peace, and contentment—the wellspring of God’s eternal words.
1. Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God? John 11:40 (ESV)
2. For I know the plans I have for you...plans for good and not for disaster,
to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me? John 14:9 (ESV)
3. The Lord your God...will rejoice over you with great gladness.
With His love, He will calm all your fears. Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Luke 12:25, 26(ESV)
4. Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NLT)
Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? John 20:15 (ESV)
5. Everything is possible with God. Mark 10:27 (NLT)
Do you believe that I am able to do this? Matthew 9:28 (ESV)
6. Nothing...will ever be able to separate us from the love of God
that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 (NLT)
What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them,
does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? Luke 15:4 (ESV)
7. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (NLT)
Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Luke 24:38 (ESV)
8. I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for five thousand,
how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up? Mark 8:18-19 (ESV)
9. May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father...comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NLT)
What do you want me to do for you? Matthew 20:32 (ESV)
10. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)
When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything? Luke 22:35 (ESV)
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October 2005
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